Coronavirus: Two British Airways staff test positive for virus
They have been isolated at home, the airline said
Two British Airways staff have tested positive for coronavirus, Public Health England confirmed to the airline.
It’s understood the staff are baggage handlers.
A British Airways spokesman said: “Public Health England has confirmed that two members of our staff have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.
“The colleagues have been isolated and are recovering at home.”
The coronavirus, officially Covid-19, has killed more than 3,000 people around the world and infected more than 100,000 around the world.
The two British Airways staff bring the total of infected people in the UK to 163. The
The UK reported its first death from the flu-like virus yesterday.
News of the BA staff infection comes as airlines around the world are encouraging employees to take unpaid leave as the spread of coronavirus has seen a huge drop in demand for flights.
Airports empty as Coronavirus affects aviation industry
Show all 11British Airways is the latest to make the offer to staff, although the airline stressed “it’s entirely optional”.
“Like other airlines we are taking steps to control the costs in our business,” a spokesperson told The Independent.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies